Price warning: Turkish food products on Amazon are generally 2-3 times more expensive compared to local Turkish grocery stores. This guide is specifically for our readers who do not have a Turkish store nearby. If there is a Turkish or Middle Eastern store in your city, check there first.
1. Spices: The Foundation of Flavor
The spices that define Turkish cooking are noticeably different from their American supermarket equivalents. Without pul biber, isot, sumac, thyme, and cumin, making Turkish food is almost impossible.
Pul Biber: The Most Critical Spice
There is a serious difference between Turkish pul biber and American "crushed red pepper." Turkish pul biber is sweeter, more aromatic, and when it meets oil it gives a bright red color. There are two main types: sweet and hot.
- Sweet pul biber: Adds color and subtle flavor to dishes. Ideal for salads and olive oil dishes.
- Hot pul biber: With its intense aroma and medium heat, used in kofte, kebab, and sauces.
Search on Amazon: Turkish Pul Biber →
Isot (Urfa Pepper)
A special pepper unique to Sanliurfa, dried and prepared through a sweating method. Its slightly sweet, slightly smoky aroma is unlike any other spice. Used in lahmacun, cig kofte, and kebabs. Finding it in American stores is nearly impossible.
View on Amazon: Eastanbul Urfa Biber / Isot (5.6oz) →
Other Essential Spices
- Sumac: With its sour, lemony flavor, sprinkled on salads and kebabs. Easily found on Amazon. View on Amazon →
- Kekik (Turkish thyme): Turkish kekik is more aromatic than American oregano. Mixed into breakfast olive oil. View on Amazon →
- Cumin: Essential for kofte and meat dishes. Available ground or whole.
- Mint: Especially used in soups, cacik, and yogurt dishes.
| Spice | Turkish Brand | Local Alternative | Is the Difference Big? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pul Biber | Arifoglu, Bagdat | McCormick Crushed Red Pepper | Very big. Definitely get Turkish brand |
| Isot | Arifoglu, Turkish Goodies | No local alternative | Only available as Turkish brand |
| Sumac | Arifoglu, Sadaf | Sadaf (Middle Eastern brand) | Medium. Sadaf is also good quality |
| Kekik | Bagdat, Arifoglu | Simply Organic Oregano | Medium. Turkish kekik is a different variety |
| Cumin | Any brand | McCormick, Simply Organic | Low. Cumin is universal |
Storage tip: Keep spices in a dark, cool, and dry place. Glass jars are ideal. Spices left open lose their aroma within 3-6 months. When buying in bulk from Amazon, always check the expiration date.
2. Paste: The Soul of the Dishes
Tomato paste and pepper paste form the foundation of Turkish cooking. They are used in nearly every dish and add depth, color, and body.
Turkish Paste vs. American Tomato Paste
| Feature | Turkish Paste | American Tomato Paste |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Intense, balanced sweet-sour | Sweeter, sometimes metallic taste |
| Consistency | Thick, dense, less watery | More runny |
| Color | Dark red (tomato), bright red (pepper) | Light red |
| Use | In almost every dish | Sauces, pizza |
Oncu and Tat brands are the most popular Turkish paste brands available on Amazon. Biber salcasi (pepper paste, hot or sweet) specifically is not found in American stores. For this product, Amazon or a Turkish store is the only option.
View on Amazon: Oncu Hot Pepper Paste 700g →
View on Amazon: Oncu Pepper Paste (2nd Option) →
View on Amazon: Pepper Paste (3rd Option) →
Search on Amazon: Tomato Paste →
Watch out: Most products sold as "tomato paste" on Amazon are American-made and do not provide enough density for Turkish dishes. Look for "Turkish" in the product name or brands like "Tat," "Oncu," "Tamek."
3. Legumes: The Foundation of the Table
Mercimek corbasi, nohutlu pilav, kuru fasulye... The most filling and economical dishes of Turkish cooking are made with legumes.
Duru Red Lentils
Duru is one of Turkey's biggest legume brands and is sold on Amazon. Red lentils are the most used legume in Turkish cooking. Essential for mercimek corbasi, ezo gelin corbasi, and mercimek koftesi.
- Advantages: Clean, well-sorted, cooks evenly.
- Note: The 2.5 kg packages are large and might be too much for one person. But lentils store for a long time.
View on Amazon: Duru Red Lentils →
Bulgur
Essential for kisir, bulgur pilavi, and cig kofte. Comes in two types: fine and coarse. Duru brand also sells bulgur on Amazon.
Search on Amazon: Duru Bulgur →
Chickpeas and White Beans
For these two, the local store options (Goya, Bob's Red Mill) are perfectly fine. The flavor difference between Turkish brand and local brand for chickpeas and white beans is not as noticeable as with spices or paste. If your budget is tight, you can buy these two from the local store.
4. Olive Oil
In Turkish cooking, olive oil is not just for cooking. It is also used in salads, mezes, and at breakfast for dipping bread.
But let me be honest: Turkish olive oils on Amazon are generally very expensive. You can find the same quality Italian or Spanish extra virgin olive oils at local stores for much better prices. Kirkland Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Costco (2L, ~$13) probably offers the best price-to-quality ratio.
Search on Amazon: Turkish Olive Oil →
5. Tea: The Day's Constant
Turkish cay is much more intense and aromatic compared to American black teas. Caykur (Rize Turist, Tirebolu 42, Filiz) and Dogus are Turkey's most well-known tea brands and both are available on Amazon.
- Caykur Rize Turist: Classic Turkish tea. Ideal for those who like a dark, strong brew.
- Caykur Tirebolu 42: A lighter and more aromatic option.
- Dogus: An affordable and widely available alternative.
View on Amazon: Rize Turkish Tea →
Brewing tip: For Turkish cay, use small-leaf tea and steep for at least 10-15 minutes. After the water boils, leave it on low heat under the tea pot. This process brings out the full flavor and color of the tea.
6. Tursu (Turkish Preserved Vegetables)
Turkish tursu is very different from American-style preserved cucumbers. Turkish tursu is naturally fermented, sour, and spiced. American versions tend to be sweeter or more vinegar-based.
Finding Turkish tursu on Amazon is difficult and prices are very high. This is one of those products that makes the most sense to buy from a local Turkish store. If there is no store near you, "Claussen Kosher Dill" is the closest American alternative to Turkish tursu, but it is still not the same thing.
Search on Amazon: Turkish Tursu →
Bonus: Kitchen Tools That Make Life Easier
Making Turkish food takes time. These two kitchen tools seriously speed up everyday cooking, for both Turkish and American meals.
COSORI TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt: Makes Frying Easier
With 4.8/5 stars and 16,000+ reviews on Amazon, this is one of the most appreciated products in its category. 9 cooking modes: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat. Temperature range from 90F to 450F. That low 90F minimum means you can even use it for proofing dough or making yogurt.
- Good points: TurboBlaze DC motor cooks 46% faster than standard air fryer motors. PFAS-free ceramic coating, no teflon or PTFE, healthier choice. 6 quart: enough room for a family of 4-5.
- Watch out: Do not use Turbo mode with light foods. The air circulation can lift food toward the heating element. Hand wash the ceramic coating for longer life (can deteriorate in dishwasher). California Prop 65 warning applies (standard plastic/electronic product warning for lead and BPA).
- Price: ~$89.99 (list price $119.99). Not cheap but the best performance-to-price ratio in this category.
View on Amazon: COSORI TurboBlaze 9-in-1 Air Fryer 6 Qt →
Ninja CE251 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker: Organizing the Morning Routine
You do not need to turn filter coffee into an art form. The Ninja CE251, with 27,000+ reviews and 4.4/5 stars, is one of the best filter coffee makers you can find under $70. It has the Amazon's Choice badge.
- Good points: Small Batch mode optimized for 1-4 cups. Makes strong coffee without watering it down. 24-hour timer: set it up before bed, it is ready in the morning. Removable 60oz water reservoir that you can carry to the sink and fill easily. Mid-Brew Pause: you can take a cup before brewing finishes.
- Watch out: No built-in grinder, you need pre-ground coffee. The hot plate can give the coffee a slightly "cooked" taste if left on too long. Thermal carafes preserve better. Glass carafe (not thermal), which is expected at this price point.
- Price: $69.99. The best choice in this price range.
View on Amazon: Ninja CE251 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker →
Summary: What to Buy Where?
| Product | Amazon Suitability | Price Comparison | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pul Biber / Isot | Good | Amazon ~2x more expensive | Store if available, otherwise Amazon |
| Other Spices | Medium | Varies | Local store is enough for cumin/mint |
| Paste | Good (only option for pepper paste) | Amazon ~1.5x more expensive | Amazon is good for pepper paste |
| Lentils/Bulgur | Very good (Duru brand) | Amazon reasonably priced | Amazon works well |
| Chickpeas/White Beans | Unnecessary | Local much cheaper | Buy from local store |
| Olive Oil | Expensive | Amazon 2-3x more expensive | Costco or local store |
| Tea | Very good | Amazon reasonable | Amazon is a good source |
| Tursu | Very expensive, limited | Amazon 3x+ more expensive | Definitely local store |
Disclosure: Some Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. Your price doesn't change. I only recommend products I actually use or have personally tested.
